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Hello dear Jim! I hope the exams you're going to have won't make any problems. I wish you'd pass them as easy as you can. And yes, you're absolutely right, all the Russian students take school exams too. I still have some time left before my exams, because in Russia we usually have exams in the middle of June, but I have already started getting ready for them. After all the subjects of the exams I've chosen aren't easy at all. I've chosen to take such exams as English, Biology and History. I love History very much and have a good memory for the dates so I think it will be the easiest exam of all. Biology is not one of the subjects I'm best at, but I think that this subject is very interesting and scientifically important; I also like to read different articles on anatomy because I feel like anatomical knowledge helps people better understand themselves. It's easier to handle the problem if you know how does the mechanism producing it works, right? And the reason of taking the English exam is really simple - I'm going to study at the university after finishing school to become a linguist so it's basically necessary for me to have a proper mark on English.
I haven't thought over my summer holidays yet, but I suppose that I will join my family in travelling to the South America for tourism and sightseeing. I like the idea of being able to see such a variety of exotic sights. Well, we haevn't yet decided properly, so I may still change my plans and perhaps even manage to visit u in England. I guess it would be great, don't you? Do you have any plans for the summer holidays yourself?
Have luck passing the exams and please, just stay calm and concentrated. I'm sure you will manage easily.
Looking forward to hear from you,
Bye